By Ekemini James
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has again shown that governance, when driven by clarity of purpose can steadily translate vision into tangible progress as he set the agenda for 2026 in his new year address.
Delivering his new year address, the Governor who is consolidating gains and deliberately expanding the frontiers of development across the State, articulated a forward-looking agenda anchored on peace, economic productivity, institutional discipline and inclusive growth, making it clear that 2026 would be a year of consolidation, strategic expansion and deeper impact.
Governor Eno understands that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the foundation upon which every meaningful development must rest. That understanding has shaped his leadership over the past two and a half years, during which Akwa Ibom has remained peaceful and development-focused in the midst of national and global uncertainties.
His resolve to deepen peace in 2026 reflects a leader who believes that peace is the bedrock of development and that prosperity flourishes only where stability is protected.
In his new year address, the Governor acknowledged God’s sustaining grace, appreciated the people of Akwa Ibom for their prayers and trust, and commended the State House of Assembly for its cooperation, particularly in the timely passage of the 2026 People’s Budget of Consolidation and Expansion.
Beyond the state, Governor Umo Eno is working hard to position Akwa Ibom State within the broader national development framework. His support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda underscores a pragmatic leadership style that values partnership and continuity.
In the same breath, he recognized the contributions of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other past leaders, which also shows his belief that progress is better when built on respect for institutional legacy.
While outlining key policy directions and projects in his New Year address, the Governor mentioned the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account which marks a decisive shift toward transparency, accountability and responsible public finance management.
The strategy which will close loopholes and further consolidate government revenues, shows the administration resolve to strengthen the foundation for sustainable development and restore confidence in public financial systems.
Economic expansion under Governor Eno is equally rooted in productivity. His renewed focus on agriculture, particularly through the launch of the Tree Crop Revolution, aimed at boosting food security, empowering farmers across all local government areas, and creating generational wealth. This approach recognizes the rural economy not as a peripheral concern, but as a central pillar of inclusive growth.
Infrastructure remains a visible expression of this vision. The Governor who disclosed that over 1,000 kilometres of roads have been completed or are ongoing, with contractors back on site, reveals that new projects are drawn from community needs assessment identified during the last town hall meetings across the state’s federal constituencies
Governor Eno’s agenda for 2026 also reinforces his commitment to social development. Investments in model primary schools, healthcare centres, the commissioning of Ukanafun General Hospital and the commencement of the Ibom International Hospital speak to an administration that understands that human capital is the true wealth of any society.
These efforts are being matched with the recruitment of healthcare workers to ensure that infrastructure delivers real service.
Compassion remains a defining hallmark of this administration. From the delivery of hundreds of ARISE Compassionate Homes to the consistent reduction of the inherited backlog of gratuity, Governor Eno has shown that governance must touch lives directly, especially those of the most vulnerable and he intends to do more in 2026.
In tourism, aviation and large-scale investments, the Governor’s 2026 outlook signals confidence in Akwa Ibom’s economic future. The expected commissioning of key projects, progress on hospitality and convention infrastructure, the commencement of international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, and the steady advancement of the Ibom Deep Seaport all point to a state positioning itself as a regional hub for business, travel and investment.
As political activities gradually take shape ahead of 2027, Governor Eno called on leaders and citizens to reject violence and embrace issue-based politics, and unity.
This reflects a visionary leader conscious of history and determined to protect the peace that has enabled progress. It is a call rooted not in fear, but in confidence that ideas, not violence, should define democratic engagement.
In his new year address, the Governor has again reinforced his governing creed: faith-driven leadership, disciplined management of resources, people-focused development and uncompromising commitment to peace.
It is this steady, deliberate approach that continues to define his administration and shape Akwa Ibom’s journey of consolidation and expansion.
